2026 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Hyundai Kona: Full Comparison
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 includes standard i-ACTIV AWD on every trim, while all-wheel drive is available rather than standard on the 2026 Hyundai Kona. The CX-30 also offers an available 250-hp turbocharged engine, while the Kona turbocharged engine produces 190 hp. This page breaks down both SUVs across performance, space, technology, and ownership.
The Short Answer
The 2026 CX-30 may appeal to buyers who want standard all-wheel drive, a driver-focused chassis, and an available turbocharged powertrain. The 2026 Kona suits buyers who want a larger cargo hold, a longer warranty, or the highest fuel economy numbers from a base engine. The differences in drivetrain, performance, cargo space, fuel economy, technology, and warranty coverage can help determine which model better fits your priorities.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2026 Mazda CX-30 | 2026 Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | SKYACTIV-G 2.5L inline-4 | 2.0L inline-4 |
| Base Horsepower | 186 hp | 147 hp |
| Base Torque | 186 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Available Turbo HP | 250 hp (93 octane) | 190 hp |
| Transmission (base) | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| AWD | Standard, all trims | Available |
| Base MPG (city/hwy/combined) | 24/31/27 | 29/34/31 |
| Turbo MPG (city/hwy/combined) | 22/30/25 | 26/31/28 |
| Cargo (seats up) | 20.2 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 45.2 cu ft | 63.7 cu ft |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 in | 6.7 in (SE) |
| Length | 173.0 in | 171.3 in |
| Base Infotainment Screen | 8.8 in | 12.3 in |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 10 yr / 100,000 mi |
EPA fuel economy data for both vehicles
Performance and Powertrain
The CX-30 enters the segment with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque from its 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine, paired to a 6-speed automatic. Every trim gets i-ACTIV AWD with Off-road Traction Assist as standard equipment. Buyers who want more output can step up to the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo, which produces up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel.
The base Kona uses a 2.0L four-cylinder producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, paired to a CVT. That combination returns 31 combined MPG, compared with 186 hp in the CX-30. The Kona's upper trims step up to a 1.6L turbocharged engine rated at 190 hp and 195 lb-ft, backed by an 8-speed automatic. That compares with up to 250 hp from the CX-30 Turbo on 93-octane fuel.
The CX-30 includes i-ACTIV AWD as standard equipment across the lineup. On the Kona, all-wheel drive is available rather than standard.
The CX-30 also includes SKYACTIV-Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control Plus across the lineup, which adjusts engine torque and braking response to support vehicle stability and handling.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
The Kona carries a clear cargo advantage. With 25.5 cu ft behind the rear seats and 63.7 cu ft maximum, it outpaces the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft and 45.2 cu ft by a meaningful margin. Rear legroom also favors the Kona at 38.2 inches versus 36.3 inches in the CX-30.
The CX-30 offers a range of interior materials across its trim lineup. Entry trims offer cloth, mid trims step up to leatherette, and upper trims offer leather with options including exclusive red leather on the Carbon Edition and white leatherette with gray accents on the Aire Edition. The 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar and 2-position memory arrives at the Select Sport trim. Heated front seats are standard from the Preferred trim onward.
The Kona SE starts with cloth seating and a 6-way manual driver seat. The SEL Sport adds heated seats and a leather steering wheel. The SEL Premium brings an 8-way power driver seat and leatherette. The Limited adds ventilated front seats, a feature the CX-30 does not offer at any trim level.
The CX-30 provides 8.0 inches of ground clearance across the lineup, compared with 6.7 inches on the Kona SE.
Technology and Safety
The CX-30 base trim uses an 8.8-inch Mazda Connect display. From the Preferred trim up, that grows to a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and a wireless phone charger. The Carbon Edition and above add the Bose 12-speaker premium audio system. Active Driving Display (head-up display) and 360 View Monitor arrive on the Premium trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired on the base trim and wireless from the Select Sport trim onward.
The Kona has the larger standard infotainment display at 12.3 inches. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard at every trim level. Navigation appears on the Limited trim. The Bose audio system and surround-view camera are also Limited-only.
Both vehicles offer a range of standard driver-assistance features. The CX-30 includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Smart Brake Support (front), Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Vehicle Exit Warning, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control, and Rear Seat Alert as standard equipment across all trims. The Preferred trim adds Smart Brake Support Reverse and Rear Crossing. Upper CX-30 trims add Adaptive Front-lighting System and Traffic Sign Recognition.
The Kona matches most of these features at base level, including Adaptive Cruise Control, and adds a Lane Centering System the CX-30 does not list. The Kona Limited uniquely offers a surround-view camera system and front and rear parking sensors with side sensing.
Value and Ownership
The Kona provides longer basic and powertrain warranty periods based on the terms listed here. A 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty compare with the CX-30's 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The CX-30 includes i-ACTIV AWD as standard equipment across all trims, along with its listed standard driver-assistance features. The Bose audio system, wireless charging, and moonroof arrive at mid-to-upper trims without requiring the top package.
The Kona's base engine is rated at 31 combined MPG versus 27 combined MPG for the base CX-30. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy drops to 25 combined, while the Kona's turbo trims return 28 combined.
Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel on non-turbo trims. The CX-30 Turbo recommends premium for full 250-hp output but accepts regular for 227-hp output.
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-30 if you:
Prioritize standard AWD across the lineup, G-Vectoring Control Plus, an available 250-hp turbocharged engine, or the CX-30's available interior material choices.
Choose the 2026 Hyundai Kona if you:
Prioritize greater cargo capacity, longer listed warranty coverage, higher EPA fuel-economy ratings from the compared powertrains, a larger standard infotainment display, or available ventilated front seats.
The CX-30 includes standard i-ACTIV AWD and 8.0 inches of ground clearance across the lineup, while AWD is available rather than standard on the Kona.
See the 2026 Mazda CX-30 at Tuscaloosa Mazda
The CX-30 combines standard i-ACTIV AWD, an available 250-hp turbocharged engine, and a range of interior and technology features across its trim lineup. Browse current 2026 Mazda CX-30 inventory at Tuscaloosa Mazda to see available trims and configurations. You can also value your trade or schedule a test drive for an available vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-30 have standard AWD?
Yes. Every 2026 CX-30 trim includes i-ACTIV AWD with Off-road Traction Assist as standard equipment. The Hyundai Kona offers AWD as an available option.
How does the CX-30 Turbo compare to the Kona's turbo engine?
The 2026 CX-30 Turbo produces up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel. The Kona's turbocharged 1.6L engine produces 190 hp and 195 lb-ft.
Which has better fuel economy: the CX-30 or the Kona?
The base Kona returns 31 combined MPG versus 27 combined for the base CX-30. On the turbocharged side, the Kona earns 28 combined MPG and the CX-30 Turbo earns 25 combined MPG. Based on the ratings listed here, the Kona has the higher combined EPA fuel-economy rating in both the base-engine and turbocharged comparisons.
Does the CX-30 have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard from the 2.5 S Select Sport trim and above. The base 2.5 S uses a wired connection.
How does the cargo space compare between the CX-30 and the Kona?
The Kona offers 25.5 cu ft behind the rear seats and 63.7 cu ft maximum. The CX-30 offers 20.2 cu ft behind the rear seats and 45.2 cu ft maximum. The Kona provides greater cargo capacity based on both measurements.
Which vehicle has a better warranty?
The Hyundai Kona carries a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Mazda CX-30 offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Kona provides longer basic and powertrain warranty periods based on the coverage listed here.
Can I test drive the 2026 CX-30 at Tuscaloosa Mazda?
Yes. Browse current 2026 Mazda CX-30 inventory to see available trims and schedule a test drive for an available vehicle at Tuscaloosa Mazda.
